Melbourne: Sam Kerr made it nine goals in her last five international matches, scoring twice as Australia underlined their 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup credentials, beating China PR 3-0 in their friendly match in Melbourne.
AFC Women’s Player of the Year contender Kerr continued her remarkable run of form to open the scoring in the 23rd minute, before adding a brilliant second from long range in the second-half after Tameka Butt’s deflected effort had doubled the Australian lead.
The Matildas stretched their international winning streak to six matches in a game they controlled from start to finish, and a performance that marks them as a team to avoid in the Jordan 2018 draw to be held on December 9.
Alen Stajcic’s side began the game strongly, controlling possession from the kickoff, but China defended well in the early stages to prevent any clear cut chances.
But Kerr, who gave China headaches throughout, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, when she rose bravely to get her head to Emily van Egmond’s cross and beat goalkeeper Zhao Lina from four metres.
With the Matildas passing game in full flight, they should have made it two when they carved open the Chinese defence in the 40th minute, however Butt opted to pass to Lisa De Vanna when she ought to have shot, and the visitors escaped.
Playing under new head coach Siggi Eyjólfsson for the first time, the Steel Roses struggled to create chances of their own, with an impressive run from Xu Yanlu, which failed to produce a shot on goal, among their brightest moments in the first half.
After the break the hosts picked up where they left off, and nearly scored within 30 seconds off the kickoff when De Vanna’s cross agonisingly eluded three lunging team-mates.
The second goal came just five minutes later, but not without an element of fortune, as Butt’s long range effort took a wicked deflection off the body of Ma Jun, floating beyond the reach of Zhao and into the net.
Australia’s superstar Kerr then produced the moment for which the match will be remembered, producing a glorious right foot drive, which left Zhao helpless as it flew into the top corner from 25 metres.
It was a just reward for another outstanding display from the West Australian, whose year-long purple patch shows little sign of slowing down.
China very nearly pulled a goal back in the final moments, as Li Ying produced an excellent headed effort, only to be denied by substitute goalkeeper Eliza Campbell, who produced a fingertip save moments after replacing Mackenzie Arnold.
Eight-time Asian champions China will have a chance to atone for their defeat when they meet the Australians again in Geelong on Sunday.
Photos: matildas.footballaustralia.com.au
Source: the-afc.com